The annual trip down the James to Richmond takes place this weekend. The Launch of the 2014 James River Batteau Festival will be from Percival’s Island at 11 a.m. Saturday. The free festival is a combined celebration of education, recreation, ecology and economics related to the river. Organizers say the launch festival will include demonstrations by a period blacksmith and a potter .. as well as exhibits from the Lynchburg Museum to highlight the historic connection between the people of Lynchburg and the James River. According to the website, American Electric Power will release water for the Saturday and Sunday floats.